Momma Mail
When my daughter left for college in August, I knew I wanted to do something special.
Not the “cry quietly into my coffee every day” special (although… yes), but something that would make her feel loved, remembered, and still connected to home — even while she was off building her own life.
So I started what I now refer to as…
The Momma Subscription Box™
(Trademark pending. Kidding. Kind of.)
Every month, I send her a box filled with random goodness — snacks, little gifts, dorm things, silly surprises, and a themed craft she can hang on her dorm door. I wanted it to feel like a tiny celebration showing up in her mailbox.
And because I am me… I couldn’t just send a box. I had to make it a whole thing.
I bought these bright orange boxes. My thought was: if she sees this color in the mailroom, she’ll instantly know it’s from me. Like “Hi, it’s your mother, and I’m being extra again.” The boxes are 9 x 12 x 4”, the perfect size to ship some fun.
Then came the best part…
The Doodles.
Every month I decorate the box with a theme.
Basically: it’s my version of therapy.
(This part kind of developed over time —)
Inside each box is a mix of:
• A themed craft (usually something for her dorm door)
• Themed goodies she can eat or share with her roommates
• Little items that remind her of home
• A few things she didn’t ask for but I KNOW she needs (but it still has to flow with the theme! Unthemed Amazon needs show up, too!)
It’s not about the stuff.
It’s about the smile.
The Monthly Boxes
The consistency.
I took photos of each one because, let’s be honest, I’m a sentimental mess and also a designer who documents everything.
So I’m sharing them here — month by month — because I know I’m not the only mom who wants to stay connected without being overbearing. (Even though I’m pretty sure my daughter would describe me as “overbearing but in a loving way.”)
So if you’re a mom who misses her kid, or someone who loves gift ideas, or you’re just nosy (respect), scroll through and enjoy.
September Box
Intro./End of Summer
Seasonal Snacks/Food
• Edamame Beans
• Dried Mango
• Ginger Candy
• Gummy Kiwi
• Gummy Pineapple
Something Personal
• A Coloring Book that is unique to the area
• A Crayola Box of 24
• Instax Film for her camera that she forgot to pack
A Written Note
*Always!
October Box
Day of the Dead/Halloween themed
Seasonal Snacks/Food
• Day of the Dead Assorted Candy (can also hand out to friends)
• Ginger Candy
• Pumpkin Peeps
• Honey spoons (my baby loves her tea!)
• Tea Packets
Seasonal Decor — Nothing large (dorm)
• Day of the Dead Roses
• Halloween Eyeballs (both for scattering)
• A Paper Pumpkin Bag
• A Collapsible Black Mesh Light Up Pumpkin
• A Black Lace Runner (to drape as dorm decor)
Something Personal
• Gift Cards that she forgot at home
• A YA Fictional Book written, illustrated and autographed by a local author
A Written Note
• *Always!
November Box
Thanksgiving themed
Seasonal Snacks/Food
• Crunchy Rice Roll Puffed Rice
• Ginger Candy
• Gummy Sweet Potato Peelable Candy (how cute and on theme!?)
• Microwavable Mac and Cheese
• More Seasonal Tea (this is starting to be a constant)
Seasonal Decor/Craft — Nothing large (dorm)
• Raffia Leaves (for scattering)
• Foam Turkey Craft (for the dorm room door)
A Written Note
• *Always!
December Box
Holidays/Winter themed
To be honest, I started buying things that I spotted the year before. I was not thinking that buying an 8” Christmas tree for my daughter’s dorm does not make much sense since she would be home to celebrate.
Still, I filled a box for December. I included that tree and some crafts to decorate it with, hot cocoa, another craft, and of course, a note!
I will feature this one in a vid and show it on social media in the future.
At this point in the year, I am getting good at this. I keep the boxes stacked in my closet and as I see something worthy of a future themed box (and small enough!) I place it in the box.
January Box
My daughter was home for most of January, so I skipped this month.
February Box
Valentines Day themed
Seasonal Snacks/Food
• Hug in a Mug Hot Cocoa
• Hot Cocoa Stirrers
• Sour Patch Kids Hearts
• Traditional Assorted Chocolate Heart
• Conversation Hearts (a must!)
• Cella’s Chocolate Covered Cherries
• Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
• Hershey’s Kisses
• Sour Punch Twists Heart
• Pocky Strawberry
• Buldak Ramen (the packaging is pink with hearts!)
Seasonal Decor/Craft — Nothing large (dorm)
• Valentine Foam Craft Kit
• Silly Valentine’s to give friends (Yes, she will! Though she is better at making them.)
Something Personal
• Hot/Cold Eye Pads (with little hearts, c’mon!)
• A Uber Eats Gift Card (I am learning!)
A Written Note
• *Always!
March Box
Still working on it.
Wait to see how I bring St. Patrick’s Day to Vermont!
And if you’re reading this, El —
Yes, I’m still sending them.
No, you don’t get a vote.
Love you!! XOXOXO
Leave a comment below.
